Why does the Bhagavad-gita call to not share its message with some people (18.67) when in the very next verses (18.68-69) it glorifies those who share that message extensively?
To understand, let’s review the Gita’s message. It starts with explaining our spiritual identity, then progresses to various processes for realizing our identity and culminates in recommending the practice of bhakti-yoga centered on the all-attractive person, Krishna. It highlights his lovability and his love for us, thereby inspiring us all to love him.
Unfortunately however, the Lord’s glories can alienate those who are not devotionally inclined toward him; they may become envious of him and offend him. Therefore, the best way to further their spiritual elevation is by not exposing them to the highest levels of spiritual knowledge centered on the Lord’s glories. Of course, they can be gently and intelligently educated about life’s spiritual dimension in a way that is conducive for their growth.
To explain in terms of another metaphor, consider a parent who has huge wealth that is meant as inheritance for their children. But if some of their children are too immature or irresponsible to value that wealth, they may lose it or even squander it. So, the parent may keep that treasure hidden from those children. Simultaneously, the parent will want their responsible children to know about that treasure and even inspire their siblings to become responsible. That, in fact, is the mood in the Gita’s declaration glorifying those who share Krishna’s message of love (18.68-69) and appreciating those who study that message (18.70) and even those who hear that message (18.71)
One-sentence summary:
The Gita’s message of love is to be treasured both by concealing it from those who will devalue it and sharing it with those who will value it.
Think it over:
- Why does the Gita recommend that its message shouldn’t be shared with some people?
- Why does the same Gita glorify those who share its message?
- How can we all learn to treasure the Gita’s message?
***
18.67: This confidential knowledge may never be explained to those who are not austere, or devoted, or engaged in devotional service, nor to one who is envious of Me.
Thank you for outlining this so clearly Prabhu Ji. Actually, this is the situation I find myself in now. When I was in Wellington, NZ, I spent most of my time with other devotees. It was easy to learn and talk about the Gita. However, after I moved to a small village in England I didn’t meet any other devotees. However, because I am driven to engage in devotional activities, I go to the Anglican village church. Often in the Christian traditions, people mistakenly think that if they serve religion that means they are serving God. Because of this, they reject anything other than their own scriptures. This means that I do not talk as much about the Bhagavad Gita, since I don’t want to trigger them to criticise the Gita through misunderstanding. However, because there is an urgent need to stand against the demoniac modern social trends of atheism, I take an active part in worship in order to support and reinforce their connection with God. I think about this a lot and hope that this is the best approach.
Thank you for sharing your heart and experience; it’s resourceful of you to find a way to continue your God consciousness even amid such challenging situations. All the very best.
nice, keep it up.